Government / New Zealand Waitangi Tribunal annual report outlines 2025–2035 strategy and recent inquiry work The Matariki-to-Matariki report details completed inquiries, recent reports and 50th anniversary projects, with the English edition out now and a bilingual version due in early 2026.
Government / New Zealand Parent Portal now maps full Year 0–10 curriculum; free maths tool for Years 3–8 due Tuesday The Ministry’s online guide adds all learning areas from the refreshed curriculum and will roll out summer practice resources, starting with maths.
Health / Government Cheese taken from Putaruru landfill reportedly resold; Food Safety warns against eating it New Zealand Food Safety is investigating after Over The Moon cheeses dumped at Putaruru landfill were retrieved and offered for sale without refrigeration.
Government / New Zealand Insolvency and Trustee Service shuts from 24 December, resumes processing on 5 January Online filings remain open during the break, but won’t be actioned until the agency reopens.
Government / Health Food safety officials bust Christmas myths, warn on shellfish toxins and raw milk risks New Zealand Food Safety says don’t trust your nose on leftovers, keep defrosting out of the danger zone, and check biotoxin alerts before gathering shellfish.
Government / New Zealand Biosecurity asks holidaymakers to watch for yellow-legged hornets as live tracking trial looms The North Shore response has found 38 queens so far, set more than 780 traps out to 11km from Glenfield and Birkdale, and expects more finds over summer.
Government / Law Enforcement Police to step up summer enforcement as roadside drug testing begins The Government says officers will be out “anywhere, anytime” targeting speed, impairment and seatbelts, with new drug tests starting to roll out.
Government / Health Government puts $848,000 into summer boat safety; kids’ lifejacket rule flagged Maritime NZ will fund local education and targeted compliance checks, while ministers point to a Member’s Bill to require lifejackets for young children.
Government Specialist GPs and nurse practitioners to diagnose and prescribe ADHD from February 2026 The Ministry will widen who can start ADHD treatment, but rollout is voluntary and hinges on workforce and medicine supply.
Government Ministry ends FluTracking contract, citing overlap with other respiratory surveillance The public symptom-tracking survey will cease after 31 December as officials lean on Healthline, GP and hospital data instead.
Government / Economics Auckland quarry gets 100-year expansion under Fast-track, approved in 66 days Expert panel signs off on Kings Quarry plan to extract 500,000 tonnes a year; ministers pitch local supply, lower transport costs, and jobs.
Government / Economics Fast-track panel clears Waihi North mine expansion to 2043, the first major mining consent under new process Ministers say the OceanaGold project will extend operations beyond 2030, add billions in exports and support hundreds of jobs, after a 112‑day approval.
